books for 11 12 year old girls

Title: Engaging Books for 11-12 Year Old Girls: A World of Adventure and Growth

Introduction:
Books are a gateway to imagination, knowledge, and personal growth. For 11-12 year old girls, this is an exciting time in their lives when they are exploring their interests, forming their identities, and seeking relatable characters and stories. In this article, we will explore a wide range of captivating books that are perfect for this age group. From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, these stories are sure to inspire, entertain, and empower young girls.

1. “Matilda” by Roald Dahl:
Roald Dahl’s timeless classic, “Matilda,” tells the story of a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and remarkable courage. Matilda faces challenges both at home and at school but ultimately discovers her own strength. This book promotes the importance of resilience, determination, and the power of knowledge.

2. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
“The Secret Garden” is a captivating tale of transformation and the healing power of nature. Set in the lush English countryside, the story follows Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden garden and, in the process, finds solace and friendship. This book teaches young readers about the importance of self-discovery, empathy, and the beauty of the natural world.

3. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle:
“A Wrinkle in Time” is a science fiction adventure that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through time and space. Meg Murry, the story’s protagonist, embarks on a mission to rescue her scientist father from the clutches of an evil force. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the power of individuality. This book encourages young girls to embrace their uniqueness and stand up against adversity.

4. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio:
“Wonder” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and empathy. The story revolves around Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity, as he navigates his first year in a mainstream school. Through multiple perspectives, the book encourages readers to look beyond appearances and embrace the beauty of diversity.

5. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank:
“The Diary of a Young Girl” is a poignant and powerful memoir that chronicles Anne Frank’s experiences during the Holocaust. Through her diary, Anne gives readers a glimpse into her daily life, hopes, and fears. This book not only educates young readers about an important period in history but also inspires them to be resilient, hopeful, and appreciative of their own freedoms.

6. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry:
“The Giver” is a dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where individuality and emotions are suppressed. Jonas, the protagonist, is chosen to receive the memories of the past from the Giver, which opens his eyes to the reality of his world. This book encourages young readers to question societal norms, appreciate diversity, and fight for individual freedoms.

7. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins:
“The Hunger Games” is a gripping dystopian trilogy that follows Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who becomes the symbol of rebellion against a tyrannical government. This action-packed series explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the power of standing up for what is right. It encourages young girls to find their inner strength, fight for justice, and never give up.

8. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery:
“Anne of Green Gables” is a beloved classic that tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who finds a loving home on Prince Edward Island. This book celebrates the power of imagination, friendship, and the beauty of nature. Anne’s adventures and misadventures resonate with young readers and teach them about resilience, forgiveness, and the importance of self-acceptance.

9. “The Babysitters Club” series by Ann M. Martin:
“The Babysitters Club” series is a collection of books that follow a group of entrepreneurial middle school girls as they navigate friendship, responsibility, and the ups and downs of running a babysitting business. These relatable stories provide young readers with valuable insights into the joys and challenges of growing up, managing relationships, and pursuing their dreams.

10. “The Princess Diaries” series by Meg Cabot:
“The Princess Diaries” series is a delightful and humorous collection of books that chronicle the life of Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary teenager who discovers she is the heir to a European principality. Through Mia’s diary entries, readers witness her struggles with school, love, and the responsibilities of royalty. This series encourages young girls to embrace their uniqueness, follow their hearts, and find their own sense of belonging.

Conclusion:
Books have the power to transport readers to different worlds, introduce them to relatable characters, and impart valuable life lessons. The books mentioned above offer a diverse range of stories that will captivate, inspire, and empower 11-12 year old girls. Whether they are seeking thrilling adventures, heartwarming tales, or relatable characters, these books provide a rich reading experience that will fuel their imagination, enhance their empathy, and encourage personal growth. So, let young readers embark on these literary journeys and discover the transformative power of books.

top cheap smartphones 2016

Are you in the market for a new smartphone but don’t want to break the bank? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will be discussing the top cheap smartphones of 2016. These devices offer great features and functionality at an affordable price, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. So without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best cheap smartphones of 2016.

1. Motorola Moto G4 Plus: The Moto G4 Plus is a standout device in the budget smartphone category. It features a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a powerful Snapdragon 617 processor, and a 16-megapixel camera. The device runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and offers a near-stock Android experience, which means no bloatware or unnecessary customizations.

2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: Xiaomi is known for offering feature-packed smartphones at affordable prices, and the Redmi Note 3 is no exception. It comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 650 processor, and a massive 4,000mAh battery. The device also has a fingerprint sensor, making it a great value for money.

3. Huawei Honor 5X: The Honor 5X from Huawei offers a metal build and a sleek design, giving it a premium look and feel. It boasts a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 616 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. The device also supports expandable storage and has a fingerprint sensor for added security.

4. Lenovo Vibe K5 Plus: Lenovo’s Vibe K5 Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone with a 5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 616 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop and offers a decent battery life. The device also supports dual SIM functionality, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.

5. Asus ZenFone 2 Laser: The ZenFone 2 Laser from Asus features a 5.5-inch HD display, a Snapdragon 410 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and offers expandable storage. The device also supports dual SIM functionality and has a removable battery.

6. Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3: The OneTouch Idol 3 from Alcatel is a budget-friendly smartphone with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 615 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and offers dual front-facing speakers for an immersive audio experience. The device also supports expandable storage, making it a great choice for media enthusiasts.

7. Blu Life One X: Blu is a lesser-known brand in the smartphone market, but the Life One X offers great value for money. It features a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 615 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop and offers a decent battery life. It also supports expandable storage and has a fingerprint sensor for added security.

8. ZTE Blade V8 Pro: The Blade V8 Pro from ZTE is a budget-friendly smartphone with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 625 processor, and a dual 13-megapixel camera setup. It runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and offers a near-stock Android experience. The device also supports expandable storage and has a fingerprint sensor for added security.

9. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua: Sony’s Xperia M4 Aqua is a waterproof smartphone that offers great value for money. It features a 5-inch HD display, a Snapdragon 615 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera. The device runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and offers expandable storage. It also has a decent battery life and supports dual SIM functionality.

10. Samsung Galaxy J3: The Galaxy J3 from Samsung is a budget-friendly smartphone with a 5-inch HD display, a Snapdragon 410 processor, and an 8-megapixel camera. It runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop and offers a decent battery life. The device also supports expandable storage and has a removable battery.

In conclusion, the year 2016 saw the release of several excellent cheap smartphones that offered great features and functionality at an affordable price. From the Motorola Moto G4 Plus to the Samsung Galaxy J3, these devices proved that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a capable smartphone. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or a near-stock Android experience, there was a budget-friendly smartphone for everyone. So if you’re in the market for a new smartphone on a budget, consider one of the devices on our list of top cheap smartphones of 2016.

easy thanksgiving crafts for 2 year olds

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s also a great opportunity to engage in fun and creative activities with your little ones. If you have a 2-year-old, you may be wondering what kind of crafts are suitable for their age. Well, fret not! In this article, we will explore a variety of easy Thanksgiving crafts that are perfect for 2-year-olds.

Craft activities are not only a great way to keep your little one entertained, but they also help in developing their fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive abilities. These crafts can be done with basic supplies that you likely already have at home, making them budget-friendly and convenient. So, let’s dive into some exciting and age-appropriate Thanksgiving crafts for your 2-year-old!

1. Handprint Turkey: This classic Thanksgiving craft is a hit with young children. All you need is some construction paper, washable paint in different colors, and a brush. Help your child paint their hand with brown paint and press it firmly on a sheet of paper. Once dry, they can use their thumbprints to create colorful feathers for the turkey. Add googly eyes and a beak cut out of construction paper, and voila! You have an adorable handprint turkey.

2. Leaf Collage: Take your child on a nature walk to collect a variety of colorful leaves. Back home, provide them with a large sheet of paper, glue, and a paintbrush. Let them brush glue onto the paper and stick the leaves on it, creating a beautiful leaf collage. This activity not only allows your child to explore nature but also helps in developing their sensory skills.

3. Thanksgiving Sensory Bin: Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage your 2-year-old in open-ended play. Fill a shallow container with uncooked rice or dried beans. Add small Thanksgiving-themed objects like mini pumpkins, acorns, and plastic turkeys. Let your child explore the different textures and shapes, promoting sensory development.

4. Paper Plate Pumpkin: Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving only the outer rim. Provide your child with orange paint and a brush, and let them paint the plate. Once dry, they can use black construction paper to cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Glue these pieces onto the plate to create a cute pumpkin face.

5. Feather Hat: This craft not only encourages creativity but also doubles as a dress-up accessory. Cut out a strip of construction paper that fits your child’s head, and staple or tape the ends together to form a crown. Provide them with different colored feathers and glue, and let them decorate their feather hat. They can also use crayons or markers to add additional designs.

6. Thankful Tree: This activity is a great way to teach your child about gratitude. Draw a tree trunk on a large sheet of paper, and cut out colored construction paper into leaf shapes. Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, ask your child what they are grateful for and write it on a leaf. They can then glue the leaf onto the tree, creating a beautiful “Thankful Tree” that serves as a visual reminder of all the things they appreciate.

7. Pinecone Turkey: Collect pinecones from your backyard or a local park. Help your child glue googly eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers onto the pinecone. This simple craft not only encourages creativity but also helps in developing their hand-eye coordination.

8. Turkey Wreath: Cut out a large circle from a paper plate and provide your child with a variety of colored construction paper. Help them cut out feathers from the construction paper and glue them around the edge of the plate to create a wreath shape. Use brown construction paper to cut out a turkey body and glue it in the center of the wreath. Hang this festive wreath on your front door to welcome guests during Thanksgiving.

9. Pumpkin Stamping: Cut a small pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Pour some orange paint onto a plate, dip the cut side of the pumpkin in the paint, and let your child stamp it onto a sheet of paper. They can repeat this process multiple times to create a pumpkin patch. Encourage them to use green paint to add stems and vines to the pumpkins.

10. Corn Cob Painting: Collect dried corn cobs and provide your child with different colored paints. Let them dip the corn cob in the paint and stamp it onto a sheet of paper. They can experiment with different colors and create unique patterns. This activity not only enhances their creativity but also introduces them to different textures.

11. Apple Printing: Cut an apple in half, dip it in red paint, and let your child stamp it onto a sheet of paper. They can repeat this process with green paint to create leaves. This simple activity not only allows them to explore different fruits but also helps in developing their hand-eye coordination.

12. Paper Bag Turkey Puppet: Take a brown paper bag and help your child cut out feathers from colored construction paper. Glue the feathers onto the back of the bag. Use googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle cut out of construction paper to create the turkey’s face. Your child can then use the bag as a puppet and have fun making the turkey “talk.”

13. Thanksgiving Placemats: Provide your child with a large sheet of paper and some crayons or markers. Let them decorate the paper with Thanksgiving-themed drawings, like turkeys, pumpkins, or leaves. Once they are done, laminate the paper or cover it with clear contact paper to create a personalized placemat for their Thanksgiving dinner.

14. Pumpkin Seed Collage: After carving a pumpkin, separate the seeds from the pulp and rinse them. Provide your child with a sheet of paper, glue, and the pumpkin seeds. Let them arrange the seeds on the paper to create different shapes or pictures. This activity not only encourages creativity but also enhances their fine motor skills.

15. Handprint Cornucopia: Help your child trace their hand onto a sheet of brown construction paper and cut it out. Provide them with different colored construction paper and help them cut out fruits and vegetables like apples, grapes, and carrots. Glue these cutouts onto the fingers of the handprint to create a cornucopia. This craft not only introduces them to different types of food but also reinforces the concept of harvest and abundance.

16. Feather Headband: Cut a strip of construction paper that fits your child’s head, and staple or tape the ends together to form a band. Help your child cut out feathers from colored construction paper and glue them onto the band. They can also use crayons or markers to add additional designs or patterns. This feather headband can be worn during Thanksgiving celebrations, adding a festive touch to their outfit.

17. Turkey Finger Puppet: Cut out a turkey body shape from construction paper and help your child glue googly eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers onto it. Attach the turkey to the end of a popsicle stick or a craft stick, creating a finger puppet. Your child can then have fun making the turkey “dance” and “talk” by moving the puppet with their finger.

18. Thankful Jar: Decorate a small jar with Thanksgiving-themed stickers or drawings. Throughout the month of November, encourage your child to write or draw things they are thankful for on small slips of paper and put them into the jar. On Thanksgiving Day, take turns reading the slips of paper aloud, creating a heartwarming moment of gratitude and appreciation.

19. Corn on the Cob Painting: Cut out a large corn cob shape from a sheet of white paper. Provide your child with different shades of yellow and brown paint, and let them use a paintbrush or their fingers to create a textured effect on the corn cob. This craft not only allows them to explore different painting techniques but also introduces them to the concept of harvest.

20. Paper Plate Turkey: Cut out a circle in the center of a paper plate, leaving only the outer rim. Help your child cut out feathers from colored construction paper and glue them around the edge of the plate. Use brown construction paper to cut out a turkey body and glue it in the center of the plate. Add googly eyes and a beak to complete the turkey’s face. This craft can be displayed as a decoration or used as a mask during imaginative play.

Conclusion:
Engaging in crafts with your 2-year-old during Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. These easy and age-appropriate crafts not only keep them entertained but also promote their development in various areas, such as fine motor skills, creativity, and cognitive abilities. Whether it’s making handprint turkeys, creating leaf collages, or decorating feather headbands, these crafts are sure to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to your little one. Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and let your child’s creativity soar with these fun and easy crafts designed just for them!